The Helmand blog is run by PJHQ and the team from UK Forces Media Ops. The team is located in Northwood in the UK and in Helmand at Camp Bastion and the Task Force Headquarters and works to support the coalition forces together with the other government departments such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development.
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Sunday, March 7, 2010

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the death of Rifleman Jonathon Allott of 3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 RIFLES).

Rifleman Allott died from wounds received as a result of an explosion which occurred near Sangin, in Helmand province, during the morning of Friday 5 March 2010.Rifleman Jonathon Allott

Jonathon Michael Allott was born in North Shields on 31 May 1990. He attended Kings High School in his home town of Bournemouth before becoming an apprentice bricklayer.

On 16 November 2008 he enlisted to join the Army and was sent for training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, completing this at the end of May 2009. He joined 3rd Battalion The Rifles in Edinburgh in June 2009 and joined B Company for their pre-deployment training.

Rifleman Allott deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan, in September 2009 where he was employed as the front man in his patrol, responsible for clearing the ground of improvised explosive devices.

His platoon was working out of a patrol base in the centre of Sangin and, alongside their Afghan National Army partners, were providing security and reassurance to the local population.

Rifleman Allott died from his wounds following an IED blast whilst deployed on an operation to insert a new patrol base. He leaves behind his parents, sister and two brothers.

Rifleman Allott's family said:

"Jonathon Michael Allott (Jonny) died a hero doing the job he loved - he will be sorely missed by the whole family and all who knew him. He had a wish that his brothers could have shared his experiences with him. Jonathon couldn't wait to get home and wear his medal with pride."

"Rifleman Jonathon Allott was an inspirational young man in so many ways. His warm and friendly nature endeared him to all whose path he crossed but belied the streak of steel that ran through him making him a true warrior.

"Having arrived with us some nine months ago, he had already made a name for himself as someone for whom nothing was too much trouble, whether it was taking time to talk to a fellow Rifleman or clearing the ground of deadly IEDs for his platoon to pass safely. There is no doubt that he had a promising future. This Battle Group has lost a respected brother-in-arms and our nation one of its very best sons.

"Rifleman Allott died doing a job that he loved and for which he had a natural talent. Giving, determined and selfless, he was, with his fellow Riflemen, bringing security and development to the impoverished and oppressed locals of Sangin. For their tomorrow he gave his own.

"The Battle Group will miss him most keenly. His family and loved ones are very much in our thoughts and prayers. We know that they will remember him, as we do, with great pride, taking comfort from the memory of a courageous, smiling and promising young Rifleman."